Is It Legal to Watch Netflix Using a VPN in 2024? Here’s What You Need to Know
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the world, with over 200 million subscribers and thousands of movies and TV shows to choose from. However, not all Netflix content is available in every country due to licensing and distribution agreements. This means that you may not be able to watch your favorite shows or movies on Netflix if you live in or travel to a different region.
This is where VPNs come in handy. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a server in another location, allowing you to access geo-restricted content and websites. For example, if you want to watch Netflix US from Canada, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the US and trick Netflix into thinking that you are in the US.
But is it legal to watch Netflix using a VPN? And what are the risks and benefits of doing so? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with everything you need to know about using a VPN for Netflix in 2024.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a tool that helps protect your internet connection from hackers and contributes to protecting your privacy online by encrypting your data. It creates a protective bubble-like shield around your online activity by hiding your IP address. This allows users to stream content from outside their region, providing a safe and secure way to connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
Why Do People Use VPNs for Streaming?
Predominantly VPNs are used to provide security, but they are increasingly being used by people who want to stream shows or services blocked in their current region, whether because of licensing issues or government censorship. When using a VPN for streaming, users can circumvent these blocks and access the programs they're looking for.
Why Does Netflix Block VPN?
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are technical ways to allow people add more security to their online activities. At the same time, a VPN can be used to disguise a user’s location.
For example, if Joe is watching Netflix online from Paris, Netflix will know Joe is in France because his IP address is showing a France IP. As a result, Netflix will show Joe its French programs. However, if Joe is a VPN user and he first connects to his VPN provider’s VPN server located in San Francisco and then starts watching Netflix from Paris, Netflix might be fooled to think Joe is a U.S. watcher and then shows Joe its U.S. programs.
Actually many Netflix users around the world have been using VPN to watch Netflix programs. Until a few years ago they were OK doing this. Also, it’s been quite easy these days to sign up for a VPN service. A VPN provider usually has servers in many world-wide locations, for example, it’s quite easy to find a cheap VPN for Austria, a VPN for Japan and a VPN for China. It's also has become quite common for VPN users to disguise their locations. For example, "VPN into China" is quite possible for users with a VPN account. Besides VPN, people have been using other techniques such as online proxy and smart DNS to bypass geo-targeting implemented by Netflix.
But this has changed. After announcing ban on VPN, Netflix started cracking down on VPN services. As a result, a lot of world-wide Netflix subscribers found their VPN service no longer working for watching Netflix. They would see error messages such as “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
While many people are angry about this situation. It might be worth finding out whether it is legal to watch Netflix using a VPN service.
What Does Netflix Say About VPNs?
Netflix’s policy on VPN usage has changed over time, as it has faced increasing pressure from content owners and distributors to enforce its licensing agreements and protect its intellectual property rights. In 2016, Netflix announced that it would crack down on VPN users and block them from accessing its service. However, this proved to be difficult and ineffective, as many VPN providers found ways to bypass Netflix’s detection methods and offer new servers and IP addresses for their customers.
Since then, Netflix has adopted a more lenient and pragmatic approach, allowing some VPN users to access its service without interference, while still trying to prevent mass-scale piracy and abuse. Netflix’s CEO Reed Hastings has also stated that he believes that VPNs are not a major threat to his business model, as most people use them for legitimate reasons, such as privacy protection or traveling abroad.
Now, let's take a look at Netflix’s Terms of Use page (2024 version) to see what they say about VPNs.
1. Content Access and Geographical Restrictions:
4.3. You may access Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer your subscription plan and have licensed such content. The content that may be available will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time.
Netflix states that users may access content primarily within the country where they have established their account and only in geographic locations where Netflix offers its service and has licensed such content. The content that may be available will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time. This implies that using a VPN to access content outside of your geographical location is against Netflix's terms.
2. Content Protections and Circumvention:
4.6. ... you agree not to ... circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade, block, obscure or thwart any of the content protections or other elements of the Netflix service.
Netflix explicitly mentions that users agree not to circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade, block, obscure or thwart any of the content protections in the Netflix service. This includes using a VPN to bypass geographical restrictions.
3. Potential Consequences for Violation:
4.6. ... We may terminate or restrict your use of our service if you violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service.
Netflix reserves the right to terminate or restrict a user's use of their service if they violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service. This could potentially include the use of VPNs to circumvent content protections.
4. Device and Account Control:
5. ... you should maintain control over the devices that are used to access the service and not reveal the password or details of the Payment Method associated to the account to anyone.
Netflix advises users to maintain control over the devices that are used to access the service and not reveal the password or details of the Payment Method associated to the account to anyone. This could be interpreted as discouraging the sharing of accounts across different regions, which is often facilitated by VPNs.
Will Netflix Ban VPN Users?
Netflix's Terms of Use do not explicitly state that they will ban users who employ VPNs. However, they do reserve the right to "terminate or restrict your use of our service if you violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service." This could potentially include the use of VPNs to circumvent content protections.
That being said, Netflix's primary method of dealing with VPN use has been to block VPN servers, rather than banning individual users. The company has developed sophisticated technology to detect and block VPN servers, making it increasingly difficult for VPNs to bypass their geographical restrictions.
When Netflix detects that a user is connecting via a VPN, they typically display an error message asking the user to disconnect their VPN and try again. While this can be frustrating for users who rely on VPNs, it's important to note that there are currently no known instances of Netflix banning a user's account solely for using a VPN.
However, it's crucial to remember that these practices could change at any time. Netflix could decide to take a stricter approach to VPN use in the future, including potentially banning users who violate their terms. As such, users who choose to use a VPN to access Netflix should be aware of the potential risks and consequences.
Is It Legal to Watch Netflix Using a VPN?
The legality of using a VPN to watch Netflix can depend on several factors, including the laws of the country in which you're located and the specific terms of service of Netflix.
From a broad perspective, using a VPN in and of itself is not illegal in most countries. VPNs are widely used for a variety of legitimate purposes, including protecting personal privacy and securing internet connections. However, what you do while connected to a VPN can be subject to laws in your country. For instance, using a VPN to commit illegal activities, such as hacking or cyberstalking, is certainly illegal.
When it comes to using a VPN specifically for watching Netflix, the situation becomes more complex. Netflix's Terms of Use state that users agree not to "circumvent, remove, alter, deactivate, degrade, block, obscure or thwart any of the content protections in the Netflix service." This can be interpreted as a prohibition against using VPNs to access content that is not available in your region. However, Netflix does not explicitly state that using a VPN is against its rules, and the company has not been known to penalize users for using a VPN.
It's also worth noting that while using a VPN to watch Netflix may violate Netflix's terms of service, it is not typically considered illegal under most countries' laws. However, the laws regarding VPN use can vary widely from one country to another, and some countries have more restrictive laws regarding VPN use. Therefore, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws in your specific location before using a VPN.
In conclusion, while using a VPN to watch Netflix is not explicitly illegal in most countries, it does violate Netflix's terms of service. Users who choose to use a VPN to access Netflix should be aware of the potential consequences, including the possibility of having their Netflix account restricted or terminated.
What Are the Legal Risks of Using a VPN for Netflix?
While Netflix does not explicitly ban or penalize VPN users, there may be other legal risks involved in using a VPN for Netflix, depending on where you live or travel. This is because different countries have different laws and regulations regarding VPNs, streaming services, and online piracy.
In some countries, such as China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, UAE, etc., VPNs are illegal or restricted by the government, as they are seen as tools for circumventing censorship and surveillance. If you use a VPN in these countries, you may face fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges from the authorities. You may also have difficulty accessing reliable and trustworthy VPN services, as many of them are blocked or banned by the government.
In other countries, such as Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, etc., VPNs are legal and widely used by individuals and businesses for various purposes. However, using a VPN for Netflix may still violate the terms of service of both Netflix and your internet service provider (ISP). If you use a VPN for Netflix in these countries, you may receive a warning or notice from Netflix or your ISP, asking you to stop using a VPN or proxy service. You may also risk losing your Netflix account or your internet access if you continue to use a VPN for Netflix.
In most cases, however, using a VPN for Netflix is unlikely to result in any serious legal consequences, as long as you use it responsibly and ethically. This means that you should not use a VPN for Netflix to engage in mass-scale piracy or distribution of copyrighted content, or to access content that is illegal or harmful in your region. You should also respect the rights and preferences of the content creators and owners, and support them by paying for their services and products.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a VPN for Netflix?
Using a VPN for Netflix has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a VPN for Netflix:
Pros
- You can access more content and variety on Netflix, as you can watch titles that are not available in your region. This can enhance your entertainment experience and allow you to discover new shows and movies that you may enjoy.
- You can protect your privacy and security online, as a VPN encrypts and anonymizes your internet traffic, preventing anyone from spying on your online activities or stealing your personal information. This can also help you avoid targeted ads, malware, hackers, and other online threats.
- You can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions on other websites and services, such as social media, news, gaming, etc., as a VPN allows you to access the internet freely and without limitations. This can also help you access information and resources that may be useful or beneficial for you.
Cons
- You may experience slower speeds and lower quality on Netflix, as a VPN adds an extra layer of encryption and routing to your internet connection, which may affect its performance and reliability. This can also affect your bandwidth usage and data consumption, which may incur additional costs from your ISP or VPN provider.
- You may encounter errors and blocks on Netflix, as Netflix may detect and prevent you from using a VPN or proxy service. This may require you to switch servers or IP addresses frequently, which can be inconvenient and frustrating. You may also lose access to some features or functions on Netflix, such as downloading titles or streaming in HD or 4K quality.
- You may face legal risks and consequences in some countries, as using a VPN for Netflix may violate the terms of service of both Netflix and your ISP, or the laws and regulations of your region. This may result in warnings, notices, fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges from the authorities or the parties involved.
How Do Some VPNs Get Around Netflix's VPN Ban?
When it comes to bypass Netflix's VPN ban, it's almost a cat-and-mouse game to play. For small VPN services, it'd be too much work to do. However, many big VPN services offer the "unblocking Netflix" service and they have many customer paying them for this kind of service. Therefore, they can afford to have a dedicated team working around the clock to bypass Netflix's VPN ban.
Among different countries, the US version of Netflix is the most popular one because it offers the largest library of Netflix shows. Therefore, most VPN services will spend more time on unblocking the US (and other less popular) version of Netflix.
How do these VPN services evade Netflix's VPN ban? Once Netflix finds out a IP address has been used by a VPN to unblock its restriction, it might ban this IP address. When this happens, the VPN company will simply change to use another IP address that has not been caught by Netflix.
Many VPN services offer special VPN servers dedicated for unblocking Netflix. When choosing those servers, VPN usage will be unlikely to banned by Netflix because the VPN company will refresh the IP addresses more frequently.
What Are Some VPNs That Works with Netflix?
Because Netflix doesn't like their users to use VPNs to bypass their geo-blocking, the company has been finding ways to prevent viewers from using VPNs to watch their shows. As a result, many VPNs don't work with Netflix at all. On the other hand, there are some VPN providers that have found ways to bypass Netflix's VPN blocking and allow their VPN users to watch Netflix using VPN.
Below are some best VPNs that work well with Netflix:
1. ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and reputable VPN providers in the market, offering fast speeds, high-quality servers, strong encryption, and excellent customer support. ExpressVPN works well with Netflix, as it has over 3000 servers in 94 countries, including many servers that are optimized for streaming. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 24/7 live chat support. ExpressVPN costs $12.95 per month for a monthly plan, $9.99 per month for a six-month plan, or $6.67 per month for a 15-month plan (including three months free).
2. NordVPN:
NordVPN is another leading VPN provider that offers fast speeds, high-quality servers, strong encryption, and excellent customer support. NordVPN works well with Netflix, as it has over 5400 servers in 59 countries, including many servers that are optimized for streaming. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 24/7 live chat support. NordVPN costs $11.95 per month for a monthly plan, $4.92 per month for a one-year plan (including four months free), or $3.71 per month for a two-year plan (including four months free).
3. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a relatively new but promising VPN provider that offers fast speeds, high-quality servers, strong encryption, and excellent customer support. Surfshark works well with Netflix, as it has over 3200 servers in 65 countries, including many servers that are optimized for streaming. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 24/7 live chat support. Surfshark costs $12.95 per month for a monthly plan, $6.49 per month for a six-month plan, or $2.49 per month for a two-year plan (including three months free).
These are some of the best VPNs for Netflix that we recommend, but there are many other VPN providers that you can try and compare. However, you should always do your own research and testing before choosing a VPN provider, as some of them may not work well with Netflix or may compromise your privacy and security.
FAQs About Using VPN to Watch Netflix:
🔴 Is it legal to watch Netflix with VPN?
Using VPN to watch Netflix is against Netflix’s Terms of Use. However, it's not illegal to watch Netflix using VPNs.
🔴 Does Netflix allow VPN?
Netflix does not want its users to use VPNs to bypass its geo-restrictions. It started cracking down on VPN usages a few years ago. After Netflix's VPN ban, many VPNs stopped working for Netflix.
🔴 What VPN works on Netflix?
Although many VPNs stopped working for Netflix after its VPN ban, the following VPNs still work well for Netflix: ExpressVPN, NordVPN and VyprVPN.
🔴 Is it safe to use a VPN to access Netflix?
As long as your VPN is from a reputable VPN provider, it's safe to use VPN to watch Netflix. It's not illegal to do so. Also, using VPNs can increase your online security and privacy.
Conclusion:
Using a VPN for Netflix is a common and popular practice among many Netflix users, as it allows them to access more content and variety on Netflix, as well as protect their privacy and security online. However, using a VPN for Netflix also has some drawbacks and risks, such as slower speeds, lower quality, errors, blocks, and legal consequences.
Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of using a VPN for Netflix carefully, and decide whether it is worth it or not for you. You should also choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider that works well with Netflix and does not compromise your privacy and security.
We hope this article has helped you understand the legality, risks, and benefits of using a VPN for Netflix in 2024.
If you want to watch Netflix using a VPN, you can select the ones that we have recommended such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark VPN and VyprVPN.
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